When booking a flight with WestJet Airlines, passengers should carefully enter their name as it appears on their passport or other required travel documents. Even a small spelling mistake can create problems during check-in, security verification, or boarding.

The WestJet Airlines Name Change Policy allows eligible passengers to request a name correction on an existing reservation. However, correcting the name of the same traveler is different from transferring a ticket to another person.

WestJet’s published rules state that tickets are not transferable. The airline also currently lists a specific fee for changing a name on a reservation: CAD 100–118 for flights within Canada and CAD 150–177 for other destinations, with the exact amount depending on the booking and currency used.

This guide explains WestJet name correction rules, name-change fees, legal name changes, ticket-transfer restrictions, and how to request a correction.

Can You Change the Name on a WestJet Ticket?

Yes, WestJet allows eligible name changes or corrections, subject to the applicable fare and ticket rules.

However, a name change does not necessarily mean that you can transfer your ticket to another traveler.

WestJet’s tariff states that tickets are not transferable and that changes to the passenger name may be subject to additional restrictions when the itinerary involves other airlines, codeshare flights, or interline travel.

Therefore, passengers should distinguish between:

• Name correction: Fixing an error for the same passenger.
• Legal name change: Updating the passenger’s name after a legal change.
• Passenger transfer: Replacing the original traveler with another person.

The first two may be permitted depending on the booking, while a ticket transfer to another person is generally not allowed.

WestJet Name Correction Rules

WestJet’s current website confirms that customers can request a name update on an existing booking through its customer-service channels.

Important rules include:

• The original passenger should remain the traveler.
• Tickets are not transferable.
• Name changes may be subject to a fee.
• Partner-airline itineraries can have additional restrictions.
• Tickets booked through travel agencies or third parties generally need to be handled by the agency.
• Name corrections should be requested before departure.

WestJet’s international tariff also states that passengers making changes to a ticketed reservation must contact WestJet or its agent to change and reissue the affected ticket, with fare differences and applicable fees potentially applying.

WestJet Name Change Fee

WestJet currently publishes the following name-change fees:

Flight Type	Name Change Fee
Flights within Canada	100–118 CAD
All other destinations	150–177 CAD

WestJet states that fees are charged in the same currency used when the booking was made, and exchange rates may apply when payment was made by credit card.

The exact amount can depend on the itinerary and booking.

Passengers should also understand that a name-change fee can be separate from any applicable fare difference, taxes, or other charges associated with reissuing a ticket.

WestJet Name Change Within 24 Hours

WestJet’s published international tariff provides special provisions for changes made within 24 hours of booking.

For bookings made more than 24 hours before the beginning of the scheduled itinerary, eligible bookings can be changed or canceled within 24 hours of booking without a change fee, although a fare difference can apply.

However, the fare type and timing of the flight can affect the applicable rules.

For this reason, passengers should contact WestJet promptly if they discover an incorrect name shortly after booking.

WestJet Name Change for Basic Fares

WestJet’s published tariff states that Basic fares are non-refundable and no changes are permitted under the applicable fare rules.

This is important because passengers should not assume that every WestJet ticket can be modified.

If you purchased a Basic fare and notice an incorrect name, contact WestJet as soon as possible to determine whether any exception or correction is available for your particular booking.

Minor Name Corrections

A minor name error should be reported as soon as possible.

Examples include:

• Typographical mistakes.
• Incorrect spelling of a first name.
• Incorrect spelling of a surname.
• Missing or incorrect passenger information.
• Other errors that cause the booking to differ from the travel document.

When contacting WestJet, provide the booking reference and the correct passenger information.

If necessary, WestJet may ask for identification to verify that the correction relates to the same traveler.

WestJet Legal Name Change Policy

Passengers may need to update their name after a legal name change.

Common examples include:

• Marriage.
• Divorce.
• Court-approved name change.
• Other legally recognized name changes.

If your passport or government-issued identification now shows a different legal name, contact WestJet before traveling.

You may be asked to provide supporting documents, such as:

• Updated passport.
• Government-issued identification.
• Marriage certificate.
• Divorce documentation.
• Court order or other legal documentation.

The purpose of these documents is to demonstrate that the new name belongs to the original passenger.

Can You Transfer a WestJet Ticket to Another Person?

Generally, no.

WestJet’s international passenger tariff explicitly states that tickets are not transferable. The ticket is associated with the named passenger, and WestJet is not liable for honoring or refunding a ticket when it is presented by another person.

Therefore, a passenger generally cannot purchase a WestJet ticket and simply change the name to a friend, family member, or another traveler.

A name correction is intended to correct information for the original passenger rather than replace that passenger.

How to Change the Name on a WestJet Ticket

Step 1: Check Your Booking

Review your WestJet confirmation and compare the passenger name with the passport or government-issued ID.

Step 2: Identify the Type of Change

Determine whether you need:

• A spelling correction.
• A minor name correction.
• A legal name update.
• A change involving a completely different passenger.

Step 3: Contact WestJet

WestJet currently directs customers to contact the airline for a name change on an existing reservation.

You can use WestJet’s customer-service options, including its contact centre and available live-chat service.

Step 4: Provide Your Booking Details

Have the following information ready:

• Reservation code.
• Passenger’s full name.
• Ticket number, if available.
• Flight number.
• Travel date.
• Correct passenger name.
• Supporting documentation, if required.

Step 5: Pay Any Applicable Fee

If the correction is subject to a name-change charge, WestJet will advise you of the applicable amount.

Step 6: Confirm the Updated Ticket

After the correction is processed, check your itinerary and ensure that the passenger information is correct.

WestJet Name Change Through Live Chat

WestJet currently offers live chat with an agent and specifically lists “Change or update a name on an existing booking” among the types of reservation changes its chat agents can assist with.

WestJet’s published chat hours include:

• English: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM MT
• French: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM MT
• Japanese and Korean: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM MT

The airline notes that chat agents can only handle certain requests.

WestJet Name Change for Travel Agency Bookings

If you purchased your WestJet ticket through a travel agency, Expedia, another third-party website, a corporate travel arranger, or another airline, you should contact the company that issued the booking.

WestJet states that customers who booked through a travel agent, third party, corporate travel arranger, or another airline should contact that provider directly for reservation modifications.

This may apply to requests involving:

• Name changes.
• Flight changes.
• Cancellations.
• Ticket reissues.

Keep your agency confirmation number and WestJet reservation code available.

WestJet Name Change for Partner Airline Flights

Name corrections can be more complicated when a reservation contains flights operated or marketed by other airlines.

WestJet’s international tariff specifically states that passenger-name changes may be restricted by the policies and procedures of other airlines when the itinerary includes codeshare, interline, other-airline ticket stock, or other-airline flights.

If your itinerary contains a partner airline, contact WestJet before making assumptions about whether the name can be corrected.

What Documents Are Required for a WestJet Name Change?

The documentation required depends on the reason for the name change.

For a simple spelling error, WestJet may only need to verify your booking and passenger details.

For a legal name change, you may need:

• Passport.
• Government-issued ID.
• Marriage certificate.
• Divorce document.
• Court order.
• Other official legal documentation.

Make sure the documents clearly establish that the updated name belongs to the same traveler.

What Happens If the Name on My WestJet Ticket Is Wrong?

If you discover an incorrect name on your ticket, contact WestJet as soon as possible.

Do not wait until you arrive at the airport if the problem can be addressed beforehand.

An incorrect passenger name can cause problems with:

• Check-in.
• Travel-document verification.
• Security procedures.
• Boarding.
• International travel requirements.

Review your ticket immediately after booking and compare the information with your passport.

Tips to Avoid WestJet Name Change Problems

• Enter the passenger name carefully during booking.
• Use the name shown on the traveler’s passport or required identification.
• Review the confirmation email immediately after purchase.
• Contact WestJet as soon as you find an error.
• Keep your booking reference available.
• Carry supporting documents for legal name changes.
• Check the fare rules before purchasing a ticket.
• If you booked through a third party, contact the ticketing provider.
• Check partner-airline rules when your itinerary includes another carrier.

Conclusion

The WestJet Airlines Name Change Policy allows eligible passengers to request a name correction or update on an existing reservation. The applicable fee currently listed by WestJet is 100–118 CAD for flights within Canada and 150–177 CAD for other destinations.

Passengers should remember that correcting a name is different from transferring a ticket. WestJet’s published tariff states that tickets are not transferable, meaning a ticket generally cannot simply be changed from one traveler to another.

If you discover a spelling mistake or need to update your legal name, contact WestJet as soon as possible. Have your reservation code, passenger details, ticket information, and supporting documents ready to make the process easier.

Frequently Asked Questions